5 directions for Saraya (fka Paige) after Forbidden Door III loss
Saraya arrived in All Elite Wrestling in September 2022. The Anti-Diva's debut injected some much-needed star power into AEW's Women's division, which was struggling to get the audience's attention.
During her initial days with the Tony Khan-led company, The Outcasts' leader established herself as a talent to watch out for. Tony Khan treated her as a main event talent, which led to her winning the AEW Women's Championship at All In 2023. Unfortunately, the former NXT Women's Champion soon had her momentum derailed, owing to a string of poor booking decisions.
Saraya's run as the leader of The Outcasts was a huge letdown, as she was accused of holding back impressive talents like Ruby Soho and Toni Storm. The former SmackDown General Manager recently competed in the quarterfinals of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, where she was eliminated after losing to Mariah May at Forbidden Door 2024.
The shocking loss has ruled out the possibility of Saraya challenging for the AEW Women's World Title at All In 2024. However, she could still explore some other storyline directions. In this article, let's look at five possible routes the erstwhile Paige could take following her loss at Forbidden Door III.
#5. Saraya continues to feud with Toni Storm
Following Toni Storm's exit from The Outcasts, Saraya distanced herself from the current AEW Women's World Champion for a long time. However, the 31-year-old performer has finally set her sights back on her former ally, with Harley Cameron and Anna Jay supporting her from behind.
Despite losing to Mariah May at Forbidden Door, Saraya's issues with Toni Storm are far from over. With considerable time left before the All In pay-per-view, The Outcasts' leader could challenge Storm for her prestigious title, hoping to enter Wembley Stadium as the new AEW Women's World Champion.
A mini-feud between Storm and Saraya would provide closure to their long-standing rivalry, which kicked off after The Timeless Superstar abandoned The Anti-Diva in the fall of 2023.
#4. The Mysterious Raven-haired lady could put her career on the line at All In
Saraya was forced to retire from in-ring competition in April 2018. It was a heartbreaking moment for the WWE Universe, which had seen the star evolve before their very eyes.
Thankfully, the 31-year-old pulled off a miracle by returning to in-ring competition four years later in AEW. However, the former WWE Superstar may consider hanging up her boots again in the upcoming days.
As talented as she is, Saraya has suffered from unfavorable crowd reactions of late. To get the fans back on her side again, the AEW star could put her career on the line at All In 2024.
The idea of Saraya possibly going off into the sunset on her home turf would certainly get fans talking. Moreover, the individual who steps up to end Saraya's career would have a guaranteed top spot on the All In card.
While she may not actually retire, the contest would certainly build some intrigue around the Anti-Diva's character.
#3. Goes after Serena Deeb on Collision
Serena Deeb has emerged as one of the most prominently featured stars on AEW Collision. Despite falling short in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, The Professor continues to be a fan favorite on AEW's Saturday Night Show.
Following a string of recent losses, Deeb has embarked on a journey to prove herself as the best. In the recent episode of Collision, Deeb laid out an open challenge to the entire AEW roster, which was eventually answered by a returning Riho.
Once Serena Deeb concludes her feud with Riho, the Woman of 1000 Holds could be on Saraya's hit list. The Professor would certainly get her limits tested during her battle with the former NXT Women's Champion.
With the main event scene on Dynamite being crowded at the moment, it would be a wise decision for Saraya to go after Serena Deeb. It could turn out to be a solid rivalry, which could help build up the two stars for a potential run in the upper card.
#2. The Anti-Diva challenges Mercedes Mone for the TBS Championship
Despite her quick elimination from the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, The Anti-Diva's hunger for championships is unlikely to go down. If she decides to shift her attention away from Toni Storm, a rivalry with Mercedes Mone would be the perfect way for the 31-year-old to enter the title picture yet again.
The Outcasts' leader has a storied history with The CEO, as the latter's mistimed kick is what forced the former WWE Divas Champion to retire at an early age. Although she is now back in the squared circle, the English star may not have forgotten what Mone did to her a few years ago.
Before Mercedes Mone eventually takes on Britt Baker at All In 2024, a mini-feud with the former AEW Women's World Champion could help The CEO cement her reign as TBS Champion.
#1. Recruits Mandy Rose into The Outcasts
Mandy Rose has been away from the squared circle since her release from WWE in December 2022. Although The Golden Goddess is yet to decide on her next destination in pro wrestling, a move to All Elite Wrestling could open up several intriguing storyline possibilities for Rose.
If The God's Greatest Creation ends up in the Jacksonville-based promotion, a reunion with Saraya would certainly be on the cards. Mandy Rose was brought onto the WWE main roster in 2017 by none other than The Anti-Diva herself.
Although the alliance did not last too long, the former Absolution teammates could resume their partnership in All Elite Wrestling. Rose's arrival would be a beneficial prospect for The Outcasts, which has struggled to establish itself as a dominant faction.